Since basil is in season right now, it’s no wonder that it’s often the go-to herb to feature in pesto, but it’s surely not the only something green that can star in this quick-fix sauce. Spinach, parsley, broccoli and even arugula can take its place — arugula, for example, standing in to create the base of the sauce used atop Food Network Magazine’s easy pizza(pictured above).

Thanks to a ready-to-go prebaked pizza crust, this Arugula Pesto Pizza with Zucchini comes together simply and in a hurry. Once you’ve prepped the pesto — the arugula adds a peppery punch, while capers and garlic offer welcome bite — and sliced the mozzarella and zucchini, it all comes down to assembly. Just before baking, sprinkle some nutty Parmesan atop the pie and drizzle on fruity extra virgin olive oil. After only a few minutes in the oven, the cheese will turn gooey and the crust golden.

Does the local pizza joint know your order the second they realize it’s you on the phone? It might be time to branch out and try something out of your comfort zone. After all, pizza comes in lots of different styles. From Chicago’s deep and cheesy to the classic New York slice, we’ve got your ideal pizza style.

Everyone from busy moms to college students knows the ease of grabbing a quick slice of pizza or a pie for the family. Most pizzerias have an array of classic options that never seem to get old, and all of that cheesy goodness never disappoints. While your favorite local joint’s pizza is probably hard to replicate, there are plenty of ways you can spice up pizza night from home. Read on for some out-of-the-box ideas like mini pizza muffins and warm pizza dip.

Pepperoni Pizza Pocket (pictured above)
The ultimate hand-held food becomes even more portable when you follow Jeff Mauro’s recipe for pizza pockets. Just load up premade dough rounds with pepperoni and cheese, and pop them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with Jeff’s slow-simmering sauce for an unforgettable weeknight treat.

PIZZA. It’s pretty much the one food that satisfies the entire world. Every single person on the planet. Every last human being, I tell you!

Don’t quote me on that.

What’s even better than an incredible pizza with gourmet toppings and loads of fresh cheese? Pizza ROLLS. Kind of like the ones you ate after school as a tot, but better! These are fluffier. These are cheesier. These have spinach in them so that you can say your kids ate a salad.

Oh, by the way, I’m Bev! I’m new. Does my hair look OK? I’m so, so excited to be here, starting a brand-new series on FN Dish! I’m going to be sharing two-part recipes with you, with the first part of each recipe being kid-friendly, and the second half being fit for grown-up faces. Strong enough for a man, but pH balanced for women.

Wait, that’s … hold on.

So my recipe today is obviously pizza. It starts off as homemade rolls for your littles, and then gets a little fancy face-lift for your adult mouth.

When we talk out-of-the box pizza, we’re not about to lay down newfangled topping ideas or totally avant-garde ways to make the perfectly crispy crust. In fact, we’re scrapping the current way you take your pizza altogether. Instead of devouring it by the slice day in and day out, get your fix in alternative ways. These riffs on our favorite pie pack all of that pizza flavor in a different kind of package:

1. When you’re watching the big game or having a gathering with friends, dip is the name of the game. Ultra-cheesy Supreme Pizza Dip (pictured above) has the works, with pepperoni, onions, bell peppers and a hearty tomato sauce to boot. It’s topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses that leave the oven melted and bubbly, and scooping it all up with a crusty baguette will immediately transport you to your local pizzeria.

Just this week your favorite Food Network chefs and stars came together for a mouthwatering hour dedicated to perhaps the ultimate in cheesy comfort food: pizza. As they highlighted their picks for the most-crave-worthy creations on Best. Pizza. Ever., FN Dish asked fans: When it comes to the top slices to savor, what’s your favorite? From tried-and-true pies with cheese and pepperoni to next-level creations, readers responded in droves on FN Dish and on Food Network’s Facebook, Google+ and Twitter pages with their selections for the best-of-the-best pizza near them. Even Ludacris, who lives in Atlanta, joined his hometown’s mayor, Kasim Reed, in taking to Twitter to show support for Atlanta’s Antico Pizza Napoletana, much beloved by Aarón Sánchez as well.

When it comes to tried-and-true eats and drinks, there’s good, maybe even great, and then there’s the best — those craveable, mouthwatering specialties worthy of an extra-special trip. These must-try plates are the subjects of the all-new series Best. Ever., premiering tonight at 10|9c, wherein host Ted Allen and your favorite Food Network chefs and stars are revealing their picks for the best-made pizza, burgers, barbecue and breakfast dishes from coast to coast.

Before you tune in tonight to see what pies the cast has chosen for its Best. Pizza. Ever. feature, FN Dish wants to know: What do you consider to be the best-ever pizza, and where do you eat it? Leave a comment below, tell us on Food Network’s Facebook page or Food Network’s Google+ page, or tweet @FoodNetwork using #BestPizzaEver to tell us your local restaurant picks and share your version of the ultimate pie. FN Dish will round up your answers and reveal your top selections on Thursday.

One of the busiest pizza nights of the year is — wait for it — the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. It makes perfect sense: With most Americans prepping turkeys, chopping veggies and baking pies, who has time to make dinner? Fortunately, a hot and tasty meal is only a phone call, and sometimes just a delivery, away. Here are some of the best independent pizza spots across the country — no reservations required. Check out the full gallery to find the best pies near your Thanksgiving destination. Read more

What’s more comforting than a piping-hot cheese pizza? The key to Alton Brown’s Pizza Pizzas (from Good Eats) lies in his made-from-scratch crust. From there, store-bought sauce and grated cheeses reach bubbly perfection in the oven.

For more game day-inspired recipes, check out Food Network’s Game Day board on Pinterest.

When making this week’s Most Popular Pin of the Week, Alex’s Basic Pizza Dough, it’s best to use lukewarm water — as opposed to cold water — when dissolving the yeast, as it helps with activation. Alex lets the dough rise twice before rolling it and finishing it with toppings.